Archive for January, 2016

When you need to find someone to help you sell a home what are the qualities that are most important to you?

You want some who has experience with both selling and buying

You want someone who has knowledge about the real estate market

You want someone who will give you the best exposure

I could go on but these three seem to be the most common skills wanted by anyone who is looking for an agent. Yet every agent will tell you they are the most experienced, have the best knowledge and have the best technology to give your home the best exposure.

So the next question to ask is How can I tell the difference between them and are there any other qualities that are important to me? I would say the following qualities come up a close second.

You want someone who you like

You want someone who communicates well

You want someone who is flexible

I think the second tier of qualities follows some ones gut instincts and most people trust their gut when selecting an agent.

I would like to share something about myself. I have been a supporting small businesses by giving money to Kiva Loans. For those of you who do not know Kiva, they are a micro lenders that change lives. They lend small business loans . Businesses pay back the loans through sales of products they sell. Once the loan is paid off they can borrow more money and you can lend the money to others. This year I wanted to support local business seeking Kiva loans and found three companies to support. GoldStar Greeting Cards: Provide unique affordable greeting cards and other paper products. Mindful Indulgences: Is a confectioner that makes healthy veegan chocolate trufffles. The C.A.N Art Studio: Is a community based art studio where you can take classes, rent studio space, or have parties.

We have heard that many Millienials are consumed with too much student debt and more likely to rent vs buying in urban centers where they can live close to where they work and public transportation.

In contrast there are 10,000 Baby Booomers retiring each day and most likely be downsizing and moving to urban centers or warmer climates or living in both location.

According to University's Joint Center of Housing those 55 and older account for 42% of the growth of urban renters. This posses a problem and challenge for the housing market. First who are those people buying the homes of these empty nester baby boomers? Second will there be enough rental units to support the demand of both Boomers and Millenials.

On the flipside I see many opportunities for future housing. Millenials who are saddled with too much debt need more affordable housing. There is a need for more Small spaces or apartment cooperatives to serve the Millenials. Baby Boomers on the otherhand have disposable income and savings are willing to pay more for luxury rentals that have amenities.